The New York Yankees don't know whether Alex Rodriguez will be in uniform in 2014, so they are exploring other options for the hot corner.

According to the New York Daily News, the Yankees have talked to the St. Louis Cardinals about a possible trade for third baseman David Freese, the 2011 World Series MVP. The report says it's "unclear" what the Cardinals would want in return for Freese but speculates "it might not be much."

After a big postseason in 2011 and an All-Star season in 2012, the 30-year-old Freese struggled in 2013, hitting .262/.340/.381 with nine homers in 138 games. He was worse in the postseason, hitting below .200 in 17 games.

Freese could be available because the Cardinals hope to move Matt Carpenter to third and plug elite prospect Kolten Wong in at second base.

Yankees president Randy Levine said Wednesday the team is operating on the assumption A-Rod will be its third baseman next season. But that's a pretty big assumption.

Rodriguez was given a 211-game suspension by the league on Aug. 5 for alleged violations of baseball's drug agreement and labor contract.